BANGKOK, Thailand/GENEVA, 28 July 2004 (LWI) - Churches and faith communities have declared their opposition to discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS. A joint inter-faith declaration adopted at the end of the 15th International AIDS Conference, which was held from 11 to 16 July in Bangkok, Thailand, contained contributions from Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus. It was drafted with support of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA).

"Trust in God, hope and compassion make a great difference with AIDS," stated Dr Musimbi Kanyoro, general secretary of the World Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). She emphasized that "AIDS urges us to talk about sexuality." The religious leaders intend to mobilize their own resources to ensure that all people gain access to more information and receive treatment in keeping with the conference theme, "Access for All."

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